Video camera based computer input system with interchangeable physical interface

• US 5,953,686 A
• Filed: 07/03/1996
• Issued: 09/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hanger Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Interval Research Corporation
• Inventors: Levin, Golan, Willow, Justin, Piernot, Philippe P., Vescovi, Marcos R., Cohen, Jonathan R., Granados, Rafael
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAH, KAMINI S
• Application Number:
  US08/675,104
• Time in Patent Office: 1,168 Days
• Field of Search: 364/559, 356/347, 356/376, 356/348, 702/150, 702/152, 345/158, 250/550, 250/221, 248/176.1
• US Class Current: 702/150
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0425 using a single imaging device like a video camera for tracking the absolute position of a single or a plurality of objects with respect to an imaged reference surface, e.g. video camera imaging a display or a projection screen, a table or a wall surface, on which a computer generated image is displayed or projected tracking a projected light spot to determine a position on a display surface G06F3/0386

Abstract

A computer input system and method is described which includes a spatial reference member having a body with a first surface and an opposing second surface. The spatial reference member separates a first spatial region including the first surface from a second spatial region including the second surface. A physical object is movable within the first spatial region. Optical indicia tracks the physical object through the body. The optical indicia is observable from the second spatial region. An optical detector positioned in the second spatial region tracks the optical indicia and develops signals which may serve as inputs to a computer. The object may emit a signal which is tracked by the optical detector.

Claims

1. A method of providing input to a computer comprising:

providing a spatial reference member having a flexible body with a first surface and an opposing second surface, said opposing second surface having indicia;

deforming said flexible body;

determining information relating said deformation based on movement of said indicia;

using said information as an input to a computer implemented process.